This blog post is dedicated to Phyllis. That’s how the rest of the world knows her. But me, I just call her ‘mom.’
I used to think it was only natural for people to favor their mom over their dad. After all, they are the ones who carried us for nine months. They gave birth to us. They brought us into this world. And for the most part, aren’t they usually sweeter, kinder, gentler, more nurturing? I think so.
However, according to what a psychology professor told me years ago, boys tend to favor their mom, whereas girls tend to favor their dad. I don’t know whether that’s true, but I found it interesting.
Anyhow, this being Mother’s Day, I thought this would be a perfect occasion for sharing a secret. I want to get funding. That part you know. But there’s one thing I want even more than that. Do you know what that is? Care to guess? Here’s the answer:
I want to get funding, but what I want more is to get funding *while* my mom is still alive (she’s in her 90s). I know it would bring her so much joy just knowing that day finally arrived! (Of course, I would also love for her to get to see, specifically, what my big ideas and strategies are, and to get her feedback.)
My father passed away several years ago. So he’ll never get to see that day. (If it should ever come.) He was the opposite of me. Not an atheist. A Trump supporter. Global warming denier. Couldn’t care less about climate change. In a word: Republican. But I still loved him. And he loved me. I know he would’ve been very happy for me if he lived to see me get funding, and would’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to read about all my big ideas and strategies regarding saving the planet. I would’ve enjoyed getting his feedback.
He also would’ve been quite surprised. I never told him I had a website. Seeing as how we were complete opposites, why bother?
I think I’ve wandered away from today’s topic, in more ways than one. But let me conclude with this. When I look back upon my childhood, I get a little weepy just thinking about how lucky I’ve been. It’s too late for my dad. But not for my mom. (They separated decades ago, by the way; he remarried, I have two half sisters, wonderful people.) I really hope funding comes while my mom is still alive. So she can get to see that day arrive. I know that would put a big smile on her face, fill her heart with joy, and make her so happy.
Happy Mom’s Day, mom! And ditto to all the moms out there!